speaking up about autism

 

 

vaccines are safe for some kids and vaccines are not safe for some kids. There should never be a "one-size-fits-all" when it comes to prescribing medication. Vaccines have gone from 10 shots given in 1983 to now 36 shots given. Too many too soon is my philosophy.

 

You consider Evan as recovered from autism. What does that mean, and what does Evan have to continue doing to stay recovered?

Recovery from autism is the term used instead of cured because there are many parents that believe (including myself) it was caused by an injury. An example being if you get hurt in a car accident you don't become cured from it, you recover any injuries or abilities you might have lost due to the injury. Evan can now fully talk, socialize, play normally, have empathy, use his imagination, and understand abstract information. He now longer qualifies under the autism diagnosis. Does he have anything "wrong" with him? Yes, seizures are still a concern along with some ADD issues.

 

Tell us about your company Teach2Talk? How do the products help kids, and are the products just for kids with learning differences or are they suitable for all learning styles? Teach2Talk was created for all kids with different learning styles. There was nothing on the market to teach social skills like making friends and sharing. We also wanted to do videos teaching kids about imaginary play since most toys are now cause and affect. (Hit a button something moves.) In the Teach2Play videos we teach how to use toys like we did when we were young. Building a barn with sticks and using a crayon as a pretend horse. Sarah Scheflen is the co-creator who is a qualified therapist on the subject. (http://teach2talk.com/)

 

Also, tell us about the Teach2Talk Academy. Why did you start it and what makes it more suitable for kids with autism and other learning disorders? Teach2Talk Academy opened this year and I'm proud to say is an absolute success in terms of the amount of progress children with autism are making. We have children age 2 to 6 and we use a combination of ABA, floor time and other therapies that help the kids progress according to their specific goals. I also teach parents and guide them toward diet/nutritional tips that can help further their progress while at the school. We also have an after school social skills program for ages 3 to 9. Evan attends social skills and it's his favorite part of the week. They learn how to play freeze tag, teamwork and the importance of making a buddy. (http://t2tacademy.com/)

 

Do you plan on opening more academies, and/or growing it to include older children? We do have a goal to open more schools around the country. If I had Bill Gates' money I would have them in every state. For now, Sherman Oaks is our home. We do plan on increasing with age in terms of social skills group. But our intensive school is only for ages 2 thru 6.